Embassy opens condolence book for Thatcher
Following the death of former British prime minister, Margret Thatcher on Monday, the British embassy in Qatar has opened a book of condolence.
The book will remain open for people to sign and leave messages today, tomorrow and on the 14 April from 12pm to 3pm at the British ambassador’s residence.
According to a press statement issued by the British embassy, people wishing to sign the book should go the British embassy’s main gate with photographic identification from where they will be directed to the ambassador’s residence.
The British Ambassador to Qatar, Michael O’Neill, said: ‘David Cameron and many others have already paid tribute to Baroness Thatcher, one of the most remarkable figures in British history and our first female prime minister. Margaret Thatcher was of course a friend to the Gulf and to Qatar, which she visited as prime minister in October 1989. We are grateful for the messages of condolence we have already received, and arrangements for further condolences to be expressed have been taken.”
Deputy PM meets UK official
HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ahmed bin Abdullah al-Mahmoud yesterday conferred with Robert Gowan, the UK special envoy to South Sudan.
Gowan hailed the outcome of the international conference on Reconstruction and Development of Darfur.
Talks during the meeting also dealt with the developments of the Darfur peace process in light of the final accord signed in Doha on Saturday.
Diplomats’ spouses to stage fundraising event
The Wives of Ambassadors and Heads of Missions (Wohom) in Qatar is organising a show of national costumes and dances on April 14 at Al Rayyan Theatre, located in Al Mirqab Boutique Hotel at Souq Waqif.
“The event is intended to raise funds to support the treatment of one-year-old Shaim Khalifa Ali, who is scheduled to undergo an operation in Germany,” said Wohom president Bozena Rostek.
Rostek is the wife of Poland’s ambassador to Qatar.
Wohom has learnt from Qatar Charity that there is a shortfall of QR200,000 for the child’s treatment expenses, which is expected to cost QR1.5mn.
“Therefore, we have decided to charge an entry fee of QR100 for our show, as our support for the child’s treatment,” Rostek added.
Passing driving test easier with automatic car, feel students
By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
Many individuals applying for a driver’s licence now prefer using an automatic car except for those who are required to drive vehicles with manual transmission.
In an interview with students who failed their first ramp and road test, they admitted that driving a manual car during the examination is more difficult because of the pressure of being watched by a police.
“Using an automatic car eases pressure during tests especially on the ramp since it does not go down even if you don’t step on the gas pedal. It’s not that easy for the manual and this is our second time to fail,” said Menandro who needs to wait for another two weeks for his next schedule of test.
He said one of their batchmates shifted to automatic after he failed the first driving test two weeks ago, and passed during the third try. After announcing the results, those who passed usually go to the traffic police office and pay a fee of QR250 using a bank card. Licences are processed in less than five minutes.
Last week, at least 11 of the 12 students (automatic car) of a leading driving school passed the ramp and road test. Some of those who failed in the manual driving are mulling to shift to automatic.
“For 13 times I did not commit any mistake on the ramp. But today, I don’t know why the engine stopped. This is my second time to fail,” said Joseph who felt disappointed with his performance.
One of those who failed apparently did not follow the right sequence during the road test. Speed limit was only 50kph but he drove the car at 70kph which prompted the police to let him off.
Those who passed the test for automatic will not be allowed to drive a manual car while those who passed the manual test will be allowed to drive both.
One of the driving instructors told Gulf Times that police are now very strict in supervising the tests.
“If he observes that you are confident in you driving and you follow all the right sequence, he will automatically give you a passing mark and would not spend more than 10 minutes on the road,” he stressed.
“That is why I always tell my students to practise well. During the test, you have to focus, to be decisive and remember all the rules especially when approaching or crossing a roundabout,” he added.
He also disclosed that there are times when the police will test the student’s wit and presence of mind. “If he asked you to park immediately in front of a gate, don’t do it. You will fail.”
Citing the importance of defensive driving, he said that getting a driving licence is easy. “That is just a plain card. But if you don’t follow traffic rules, you will always end up paying huge amount of fees for your violation,” said the instructor.
Qatar Foundation Fan Zone offers unique live match experience
The local community can enjoy the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Qatar Foundation-FC Barcelona Fan Zone today.
Qatar Foundation (QF)’s partnership with Barcelona is dedicated to encouraging young people to achieve their potential through the pursuit of excellence. This evening, Fan Zone visitors will be able to demonstrate this passion by participating in sports-themed competitions before settling down to watch the big match.
Last Tuesday, hundreds of supporters visited the Fan Zone to enjoy an absorbing first-leg contest between the two European giants, which ended in a 2-2 draw. By correctly guessing the time of the first strike in the match, a “golden goal” winner has got the opportunity to be in Barcelona to watch the second leg live today, courtesy of QF.
This time, Fan Zone visitors can once again enter a “golden goal” competition for the chance to win a trip to Camp Nou to watch Barcelona live in action later in the season.
The Fan Zone is located on a football pitch outside QF’s Recreation Centre. The event kicks off at 8pm, with visitors advised to arrive as early as possible.
Fashion brand opens boutique
Trendy fashion brand Uterque, in conjunction with its local partner Azadea Group, has recently opened its 12th boutique at the Landmark Mall.
The brand already has a presence in six countries in the Middle East.
The new boutique, which features a host of ready to wear garments, bags, shoes, accessories, scarves, hats and jewellery, follows the aesthetics and layout of its predecessors worldwide and occupies a space of 133sq m.
The boutique opening also made way for the unveiling of Uterque’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection that is based on ecru and natural tones.
With bright tints accenting the diverse items, Uterque welcomes the season of spring by stripping off the textures and tones of winter.
